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HOLLYWOOD -- Paul Giamatti will topline indie drama "Barney's Version," based on Mordecai Richler's final novel, with Robert Lantos ("Eastern Promises") producing through his Serendipity Point banner.

Richard J. Lewis will direct from the screenplay adaptation by Michael Konyves. Principal photography will begin in August in Rome, Montreal, Quebec's Laurentian Mountains and New York.

Story's title character has led a reckless life highlighted by three marriages, two children and being a "person of interest" in the mysterious disappearance of his bosom buddy.

"Barney's Version" is a co-production of Serendipity Point Films and Italy's Fandango. Co-producers are Domenico Procacci ("Gomorrah"), Lyse Lafontaine and Ari Lantos; investors include Astral Media, Corus Entertainment, Telefilm Canada, Sodec, HGF, OMDC and CBC.

Giamatti was last seen in "Duplicity." Two of Richler's novels have been adapted into features -- "The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz" and "Joshua Then and Now," which Lantos produced.

Lewis directed 50 episodes of "CSI."